Costco’s Top‑Selling Ice Cream Is Back: Costco’s top-selling ice cream is back on shelves, and it’s not just the same old scoop—this time, it’s back with flavors people are going absolutely wild for. If you’ve been tracking foodie trends, or even casually scrolling TikTok, you’ve likely already seen the viral posts, customer reviews, and the race to snatch these desserts before they disappear again.
From coast to coast, shoppers are rushing to their local Costco stores to grab two hot-ticket frozen treats: the return of Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches, now in Strawberry Shortcake, and the debut of Afters’ Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Bars—inspired by an iconic Middle Eastern dessert. These aren’t just tasty—they’re viral, high-quality, and backed by serious market demand. Let’s break it all down so you know what the buzz is about and how to get your hands on them before they’re gone.
Costco’s Top‑Selling Ice Cream Is Back
Costco’s latest dessert drops aren’t just sweet—they represent a shift in how modern consumers shop: they want quality, story, and experience. The Nightingale Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches and Afters Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Bars deliver all three. Whether you’re a food adventurer, a parent stocking up for summer, or a retail pro tracking trends, these ice creams are a delicious sign of what’s possible when viral culture meets real craftsmanship.
| Item | Flavor / Style | Pack Size & Price | Availability | Why It Matters | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches | Strawberry Shortcake | 18-pack (~$19.99, ~$1.11/unit) | East Coast Costco only | Sold out in under a week last year | Nightingale Ice Cream |
| Afters Dubai Chocolate Bars | Pistachio & kataifi shell | 10-pack (~$17.99–$18.49) | Nationwide Costco | TikTok viral, launched at Coachella | Afters Ice Cream |
What’s the Deal with These Treats?
Nightingale’s Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
Nightingale Ice Cream has developed a reputation for crafting some of the best premium sandwiches on the market. Each one features 14% butterfat, freshly baked brown sugar cookies, and real fruit-based strawberry ice cream. No artificial flavors, no shortcuts—just classic dessert with an upscale twist.
Last year’s flavor, Cookie Monster, sold out in many East Coast stores within two days. This year’s version—Strawberry Shortcake—is part of their “Chomp Series,” designed to deliver nostalgic, summery flavors in a perfectly snackable size. You get 18 in a box for around $19.99, making it a little over $1 per sandwich. Given the premium ingredients, that’s a solid deal compared to boutique dessert shops.
The team behind Nightingale is also scaling up big. In 2024, they announced a $5.8 million investment to expand operations in Richmond, Virginia. That included a new 20,000-square-foot facility and over 160 new jobs—demonstrating that small-batch, artisan ice cream is no longer just a hipster niche, but a serious retail category.
Afters’ Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Bars
Afters Ice Cream is based in Southern California and is known for pushing flavor boundaries. Their latest release—the Dubai Chocolate Bar—was inspired by knafeh, a rich Middle Eastern dessert made with semolina, sugar syrup, and shredded pastry dough (kataifi). This bar transforms that experience into a frozen treat: pistachio ice cream coated in chocolate and encrusted with crunchy kataifi.
The flavor made its debut at Coachella 2025, and social media exploded shortly after. TikTok videos featuring the bars have racked up tens of millions of views. The bars are now available in a 10-pack, priced between $17.99 and $18.49, depending on your Costco location.
What sets this product apart is how it mixes global inspiration with American indulgence. This is a dessert with deep cultural roots, modernized for mass appeal without losing authenticity.
The Global Dessert Influence
Both of these products reflect a broader shift happening in U.S. food trends: global flavors are going mainstream. From matcha and mochi to saffron and tahini, consumers are eager to explore new flavor experiences.
The Dubai Chocolate Bar capitalizes on this trend perfectly. Knafeh has been a beloved dessert in countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine for centuries. Turning it into a frozen treat that fits Costco’s family-size model makes it more accessible to American families while still honoring its origins.
Nutrition & Allergen Info
While these ice creams are undeniably delicious, they are also indulgent. That means:
- Nightingale sandwiches contain dairy, wheat, and eggs. Each mini sandwich has approximately 200–250 calories, 12–14g fat, and around 15–18g sugar.
- Afters bars contain dairy, pistachios, gluten (kataifi), and soy. Each bar runs about 220–250 calories, 22g fat, and up to 20g sugar.
There have also been warnings from the UK Food Standards Agency about counterfeit Dubai chocolate treats on the market containing undeclared allergens. Although Afters and Costco maintain strict quality control, consumers with allergies should always double-check the label.
Why These Items Are Flying Off the Shelves?
- Viral Marketing & TikTok Hype
TikTok creators have helped launch both of these into the spotlight. A 15-second video showing the crispy snap of the Afters bar being bitten into has over 20M views alone. - Scarcity Equals Demand
Costco often releases limited quantities to test demand. This creates urgency, and fans line up as early as 9 AM to snag a box. - Seasonality & Timing
These frozen treats hit at the beginning of summer—a perfect time when families stock up for picnics, cookouts, and road trips. - Premiumization of Grocery Store Desserts
Shoppers are willing to pay extra for artisanal quality. It’s no longer just about saving money—it’s about treating yourself with something memorable.
How to Score Them Before They’re Gone As Costco’s Top‑Selling Ice Cream Is Back
Want in? Here’s your roadmap:
- Use the Costco App
Search by product name and track your local warehouse stock in real time. - Go Mid-Week
New shipments often arrive Tuesday through Thursday. Skip the weekend rush if possible. - Talk to Staff
Employees can let you know when the next drop is scheduled—or even hold a box for you. - Follow the Brands on Instagram
Both Afters and Nightingale share availability alerts and restock notices. Turn on post notifications. - Check Other Retailers
Nightingale is also stocked at Kroger and Whole Foods in some regions. Afters may offer direct-to-consumer shipping through their site.
Behind the Scenes: Costco’s Strategy
Why does Costco pick these limited-edition gourmet items? It’s part of a “treasure hunt” strategy—the idea that shoppers never know what they’ll find in the aisles. This drives repeat visits and keeps members coming back for new discoveries.
Costco is also able to offer premium goods at lower prices by:
- Purchasing at volume
- Offering fewer SKUs per category
- Selling in bulk with low markup
This business model allows a luxury-feeling item like Nightingale to sell at just over $1 per unit—a price that’s hard to beat even at local scoop shops.
Expert Insight for Retailers & Food Entrepreneurs
If you’re a product developer, this case study provides a clear roadmap:
- Identify emerging trends early (via TikTok, food blogs, or niche festivals)
- Validate demand with micro-launches or regional pilots
- Use exclusivity to build buzz before scaling nationwide
- Partner with major retailers for credibility and volume
- Tell a story—both brands succeeded because of their clear identities and connection to community, craft, and culture
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